The General Secretary of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson, has accused the leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of neglecting their members' interests.

This accusation centres around the proposed sale of a 60% share in six Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) hotels to Rock City Hotel, owned by Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong.

Mr Koomson expressed his distrust of the TUC leadership's involvement in the sale process and stated his refusal to join them in meeting President Akufo-Addo to discuss the issue and other general labour concerns.

“I will not join them to meet the President because I suspect them,” he told Evans Mensah on PM Express.

He criticised the TUC representatives on the board overseeing the sale, accusing them of failing to provide the Union with crucial information about the board's developments.

Despite SSNIT's denial of any foul play, TUC insisted that the sale must be cancelled for broader consultations.

Subsequently, organised labour petitioned the President to halt the sale, citing unsatisfactory actions by SSNIT regarding the use of workers’ funds.

Read also: SSNIT explains decision to sell 60% stake in 4 hotels to Agric Minister’s firm

Following this, President Akufo-Addo directed the Employment and Labour Relations Minister, Ignatius Baffour Awuah, to engage in discussions with labour leaders to find a mutually acceptable solution.

Upon request by organised labour, the President agreed to meet with them, but Mr Koomson believes joining the TUC at this meeting is only mere window-dressing.

Mr Koomson remains sceptical about joining the TUC for these discussions, arguing that their representation lacks transparency and accountability.

“TUC cannot continue to represent workers with their posturing. The four people serving on the board, we don’t even know how they were chosen, and we have raised concerns in that regard,” he said.

He emphasised the need for due diligence and integrity in selecting board representatives.

Background

In May, North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate allegations surrounding the sale of six hotels: Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Resort, and the Trust Lodge Hotel.

Read More: Ablakwa petitions CHRAJ over alleged sale of 6 hotels by SSNIT to Bryan Acheampong

Mr Ablakwa's petition raised concerns of conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft, citing violations of constitutional provisions.

SSNIT, however, maintains that the sale is a strategy to partner with an investor to raise capital and improve hotel management.

The Trust has pledged to cooperate with CHRAJ's investigation following Ablakwa’s petition.